ATTACHMENT SS2

REGION 2 SENSITIVE SPECIES EVALUATION FORM

Species: Gambelia wislizenii (Baird and Girard, 1952) – long-nosed leopard lizard Comments: Five subspecies of Gambelia wislizenii were formerly recognized (Collins 1990), however McGuire (1996) noted that the nominal subspecies G. w. wislizenii exhibit broad zones of intergradation and the dorsal pattern classes of the various forms that occur throughout the range. Therefore, in his taxonomic revision of the species, McGuire (1996) did not recognize any subspecies of G. wislizenii. Gambelia was formerly included in the genus Crotaphytus with the collared lizards, and much of the earlier literature is found under that name. Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations In R2 occurs only as isolated populations in west-central and extreme SW CO. • Hammerson 1999 1 A Distribution • Orange et al. 1999 within R2 Confidence in Rank High

Species is widely distributed in the southwest and western United States. • Orange et al. 1999 2 C Distribution • Stebbins 1985 outside R2 Confidence in Rank High

Dependant upon open space within sagebrush and semidesert shrubland for • Parker and Pianka 1976 3 B dispersal. Home range ranges from 0.7-2.3 ha (NV). Juveniles known to move up to Dispersal • Tanner and Krogh 1974 Capability 1.1 km; adult males up to 450 m in 2 weeks (UT).

Confidence in Rank High Populations have declined in CO.Range in CO is limited and populations are localized. • Hammerson 1999 4 A Abundance in R2 Confidence in Rank High

Population trends follow "Habitat Trends." • Hammerson 1999 5 A Population Trend in R2 Confidence in Rank High

Formerly occupied areas in CO have been extensively replaced by intensive • Hammerson 1999 6 A agriculture and development. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) has invaded shrublands Habitat Trend in R2 and have likely depressed or eliminated populations.

Confidence in Rank High

USDA-Forest Service R2 Sensitive Species Evaluation Form Page 1 of 1 ATTACHMENT SS2

Species: Gambelia wislizenii (Baird and Girard, 1952) – long-nosed leopard lizard Comments: Five subspecies of Gambelia wislizenii were formerly recognized (Collins 1990), however McGuire (1996) noted that the nominal subspecies G. w. wislizenii exhibit broad zones of intergradation and the dorsal pattern classes of the various forms that occur throughout the range. Therefore, in his taxonomic revision of the species, McGuire (1996) did not recognize any subspecies of G. wislizenii. Gambelia was formerly included in the genus Crotaphytus with the collared lizards, and much of the earlier literature is found under that name. Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations Large scale habitat loss through anthropogenic modification, including the introduction • Degenhardt et al. 1996 7 B and expansion of cheatgrass, may cause the elimination of this species in formerly Habitat • Hammerson 1999 Vulnerability occupied areas. or Modification Protection and conservation of sagebrush and semidesert shrubland with a large percentage of open ground is necessary to ensure the survival of this species in R2.

Confidence in Rank High Leopard lizards have a relatively low reproductive rate (single annual clutch of 6-10 • Dehenhardt et al. 1996 8 B eggs, average 7.3, in CO, smaller clutches elsewhere) and exhibit low population Life History • Hammerson 1999 and density (ca. 5/ha in NV; unknown in CO). • Tanner and Krogh 1974 Demographics Diet in primarily insectivorous, although often preys upon lizards; occasionally takes small mice and vegetation (fruits of Lycium).

Predators poorly known, likely includes raptors, carnivorous mammals, and larger snakes (e.g., Arizona, Masticophis).

Confidence in Rank High Initial Evaluator(s): Charles W. Painter; Endangered Species Program, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Date: Fe, New Mexico 87504

USDA-Forest Service R2 Sensitive Species Evaluation Form Page 2 of 2 ATTACHMENT SS2 National Forests in the Rocky Mountain Region where species is KNOWN (K) or LIKELY(L)1 to occur:

Colorado NF/NG Kansas NF/NG Nebraska NF/NG South Dakota Wyoming NF/NG

NF/NG

y y

y y y nown nown nown Known Known Likel Likel ikel ikel ikel K L K L K L Arapaho-Roosevelt NF N N Cimmaron NG N N Samuel R.McKelvie NF N N Black Hills NF N N Shoshone NF N N White River NF N N Halsey NF N N Buffalo Gap NG N N Bighorn NF N N Routt NF N N Nebraska NF N N Ft. Pierre NG N N Black Hills NF N N Grand Mesa, N Y Ogalala NG N N Medicine Bow NF N N Uncompahgre, Gunnison NF San Juan NF N N Thunder Basin NG N N Rio Grande NF N N Pike-San Isabel NF N N Comanche NG N N

1 Likely is defined as more likely to occur than not occur on the National Forest or Grassland. This generally can be thought of as having a 50% chance or greater of appearing on NFS lands.

USDA-Forest Service R2 Sensitive Species Evaluation Form Page 3 of 3